“He can even pick up my dad,” she said. “I like having someone in my family who is in the Marines. … It's kind of fun to have a couple people in my family who served our country. It just makes me feel happy.”

In total, several hundred people attended Sylvania's Memorial Day events, including a service at Toledo Memorial Park, the parade, and a second service at Veterans Memorial Field in Memorial Park.

The parade included, but was not limited to, marching bands from both Southview and Northview high schools, beauty queens, local politicians, police, and veterans.

More organizations participated in the parade this year than in any other, said Ken Katafias, operations manager for the Sylvania Recreation Corp., who led the organizing committee.

The annual events also provided teaching moments for some.

Natalie Anderson, 3, was looking for her grandpa and asking her grandmother, Deb Anderson, why the parade had stopped only feet in front of them.

Mrs. Anderson of Sylvania told the tot that wreaths were being thrown into the river to honor those who were lost at sea. And, she explained, next would come a few loud gunshots.

The three-round volley startled some children – including Natalie of Monclova who jumped in her folding lawn chair.

Soon after, a young man wearing an orange Southview Cougars sweatshirt strode by and handed the girl a small flag, which she happily waved.

Contact Taylor Dungjen at tdungjen@theblade.com, or 419-724-6054, or on Twitter @taylordungjen.

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